FAQs

Specific coverage will depend on your exact policy. We recommend you call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask if your policy covers bariatric surgery and if so, what are the requirements. Our trained staff will help you navigate any requirements your specific insurance may have in order to authorize your procedure

Most patients are away from work a minimum of two weeks and up to 6, depending on the type of employement. It is important that you abide by the doctor’s recommended lifting restrictions until fully recovered.

Depending on your specific insurance policy, you may owe a portion of the cost for bariatric surgery. It is important to understand that when you have surgery, there are several costs involved including your hospital stay, anesthesia, and surgeon’s fees. We encourage you to contact Enloe Medical Financial Services well before your surgery. They will provide you with a breakdown of what your expected out-of-pocket expenses will be for your hospital stay as well as anesthesia costs. North Valley Surgical Associates will also provide you with an easy to understand breakdown of what you should expect to pay for surgeon’s fees.

Achieving long term success is dependent not only on a safe and successful operation, but on sustained lifestyle changes that encompass dietary modification, exercise, and healthy life choices, along with psychological wellness. Dr. Ludwig and Dr. Simchuk are committed to your long-term success and believe your commitment to a thriving post-surgery follow-up program is imperative. It is for this reason that we require all weight loss surgery patients to enroll in our Lifestyle Management Program. We have designed a program that includes educational opportunities, support groups facilitated by trained professionals, and a wealth of events and activities all designed to give you the tools you need to be successful with your weight loss goals. Please contact our office for the cost of this program.

Because the surgeons believe strongly in the necessity of education and support in order to maximize your success, it is mandatory for all bariatric patients to enroll in our Lifestyle Management Program

Medically, it can make it easier and safer to perform the operation if the patient has begun a reduced-calorie diet and begun seriously working to lose weight. One reason is that a high-protein, low-calorie diet can help the liver get smaller; this aids the ease of the operation and recovery time. Also, if the patient has been eating a balanced diet, the body will be primed to recover faster from surgery than if the patient had been eating too many saturated fats, refined starches, and sugars.

In fact, many doctors require that patients lose a small percentage of their body weight before surgery can be performed. Usually, this is accomplished by beginning a high-protein diet; liquid protein supplements can be used. Often, the guidelines are 800 to 1,500 calories, including 70 to 120 grams of protein, each day.